[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 207 (Tuesday, December 8, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H6908-H6909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF BRIAN JOHNSON, FOUNDER OF WARRIORNOW

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Colorado (Mr. Crow) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the 
accomplishments of Mr. Brian Johnson of Aurora, Colorado, founder of 
the nonprofit organization, WarriorNOW. Brian is an Army veteran who 
served in Iraq and personally grappled with suicide after leaving the 
service.
  He founded the nonprofit organization, WarriorNOW, to help veterans 
get through the same struggles that he faced after coming home. His 
approach to combating veteran suicide is to connect at-risk veterans 
with peer mentors. Brian has developed a mentor certification program 
to ensure that every veteran receives quality mentorship and to ensure 
that the mentors are supported as well.
  In the wake of COVID-19, Brian saw how the pandemic led to worsening 
PTSD anxiety, depression, and substance abuse throughout the entire 
veteran community. As a result, he created Daniel's Room, a virtual 
nightly check-in that began with Daniel, a veteran who Brian was 
working with who was struggling with substance abuse.
  Thus far, WarriorNOW has served over 800 veterans in Daniel's Room.
  I would like to thank Brian Johnson and his organization, WarriorNOW, 
for

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their tireless support of Colorado's veterans.


                   Honoring the Life of Mikaela Lakin

  Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mikaela Lakin, an 
Aurora Police Department officer who lost her life in an off-duty 
motorcycle accident on September 18, 2020.
  Mikaela was a dedicated officer with the Aurora Police Department 
when she died at the age of 24. A proud Coloradan, Mikaela loved all 
the outdoor activities our State has to offer, including camping, 
hiking, and snowboarding.
  She will be deeply missed by her mother, Stephanie Renken; her 
brother, Alexander Lakin; her father, Michael Lakin; her grandparents, 
Connie and Steve Ostroha; and her beloved dog, Quentin.
  She impacted the lives of so many with her outgoing and welcoming 
spirit and positive outlook. Officer Lakin should be remembered for her 
commitment to those in need and for the unwavering support she provided 
to her friends, family, and community.
  May she rest in peace.


                        Honoring Natural Helpers

  Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the 
accomplishments of the Aurora Natural Helpers program and its steadfast 
commitment to the community.
  Aurora is an increasingly international and diverse city in 
Colorado's Sixth District. With the creation of the Office of 
International and Immigrant Affairs and the launching of the second 
phase of their Immigrant Integration Plan, Aurora is quickly becoming a 
national leader in the field of immigrant integration.
  Launched by the city of Aurora in collaboration with local nonprofits 
in 2016, the Aurora Natural Helpers program trains leaders from 
immigrant refugee communities so they can help integrate their 
community members.
  Trained Natural Helpers are equipped to provide information and 
resources to newly arriving immigrants and refugees on topics including 
city services and private assistance.
  With the support of local partner organizations, more than 150 people 
from 25 countries have been trained, and crucial immigrant and refugee 
leadership has been fostered and empowered.
  I would like to thank all of those involved in the Aurora Natural 
Helpers program for their dedication to our community. Their hard work 
connecting communities in Aurora to crucial resources not only ensures 
that immigrants and refugees in the Sixth District have the opportunity 
to thrive but that their leadership also comes from within.

                              {time}  1015


                Recognizing Tri-County Health Department

  Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the Tri-
County Health Department as a recipient of the National Association of 
County and City Health Officials 2020 Model Practice Award. The Tri-
County Health Department serves the three counties in my district: 
Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas.
  As we work to address the COVID-19 crisis, this recognition is a 
reminder of the many ongoing public health initiatives led by our city 
and county health departments, achievements they make despite 
challenging and adverse conditions. This award recognizes programs 
demonstrating excellence in response to a critical local public health 
need.
  As part of this year's public health award series, Tri-County Health 
Department received one Model Practice Award and two Promising Practice 
Awards. The Model Practice Award was awarded to Tri-County's project on 
partnering with local businesses on workplace health and well-being.
  I would like to thank the professionals of Tri-County Health 
Department for their many contributions to public health. Both before 
and during the pandemic, their programs and services have been 
instrumental in protecting the public health and well-being of our 
community.

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